Tuesday, March 11, 2014

HOO’S KIDS BOOK FEST ANNOUNCES 2014 PROGRAMME

Explore a magical world of books in a secret walled garden

Sunday 11th May 2014

Organisers of the annual Hoo’s Kids Book Fest have confirmed yet another impressive line-up for their celebration of literature at the magical Luton Hoo Walled Garden. The festival, now in its third year, crams a feast of family fun into just one day and audiences can expect to see some of the biggest names in children’s books bringing storytelling to life with pirates, beasts & stripemongers...

The 2014 line-up includes an opportunity to meet two of the UK's most acclaimed writers for Young Adults; Robert Muchamore, author of the bestselling Cherub series and award-winning Sophie McKenzie, who has won the prestigious Red House Book Award as well as Richard and Judy's Best Kids Books. And younger readers have the chance to see Jim Smith, author of the rib-tickling Barry Loser and winner of the 2013 Roald Dahl Funny Prize.

Visitors are invited to join the birthday celebrations with Miffy who turns 70 this year and Kipper who is 25. And to commemorate WW1, children are being invited to plant poppies in the walled gardens.

There's also a spotlight on comics with talented teen Zoom Rockman hosting two workshops alongside publisher The Phoenix Comic. Zoom was named as one of the 'brightest young talents' in London as part of the Evening Standard's list of the hottest 25 under 25s.

Also featuring in the programme are illustrator Hannah Marks, cut paper artist Vanessa Stone and author Dawn Finch all from Hertfordshire.

Add to this a host of family-friendly activities including tree painting, wigwam building and visits from popular children’s characters and you have the perfect day out for all the family. Meet the authors, discover new books or try your hand at drawing, there’s something for all ages. Whether you're after slapstick humour, crime solving or live drawing, you'll find it all in this magical day. Oh, and you can find out just what a stripemonger really is...

Log on to the newly launched Festival website http://www.hoosbookfest.com/ for full programme details. All events are bookable online from the end of March. Tickets can also be purchased from The Chorleywood Bookshop, WH Smith's in Harpenden, Luton and Hitchin and from Oxfam in St Albans.